Stress has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and around the world, leading to countless health problems, depression and anxiety. The use of yoga has long been known to help reduce stress and relieve anxiety and depression. Recent research in the United States, Germany has validated this long held belief.
There are many ways yoga helps to reduce stress and relieve anxiety and depression. The physical performance of the asanas is only part of the picture. The breathing in yoga helps to regulate the breath and relax the body. Classes that incorporate relaxation and short periods of meditation relax the mind and body, which reduces stress and improves the general mood.
A 2005 German study followed a group of women classified as emotionally distressed. The women were divided into two groups, one took a 90 minute yoga class, two days a week and the other group kept their regular schedule. The study found that the women in the yoga group showed improvement in symptoms related to anxiety, depression, and stress and had a higher energy level when compared to the control group.
This same study showed an improvement in scores related to anxiety, depression and overall well being. Patients experiencing physical symptoms reported by the yoga group, including headache, lack of sleep and pain found relief in higher numbers than in the control group.
A 2008 study at the University of Utah found additional evidence that yoga has as positive effect on stress response. The study looked at pain response and found that yoga helped to regulate the response to stress, resulting in better pain management. The patients who practiced yoga had a higher level of pain tolerance and were better able to regulate stress.
If you are feeling stressed or want a natural way to improve anxiety and depressed mood, yoga may be the answer. The important thing to remember is the greatest benefits are found with regular practice. Adding a short meditation practice after your yoga class will help to regulate your mood and find peace.